Trust for new A&M prez

Seeking to smooth ruffled feathers over the acrimonious departure ofTexas A&M University president Elsa Murano, student regent Hunter Bollman sent out this note today:

My Fellow Aggies:

Texas A&M University is undergoing a period of unprecedented transition. When students return in the fall, they will return to a university that looks a lot different than the one they left in the spring. This fall the student body will welcome the largest freshman class in history to campus and face the MSC being closed. Students will return to a university that won three national championships in June and a university that is under the guidance of a new interim president.

I want to take this opportunity to address you as your student regent and answer some of the questions you might be having as we begin moving forward.

On Monday, the Board of Regents voted to appoint Dr. Bowen Loftin as interim president of Texas A&M University. I have had the privilege of getting to know Dr. Loftin over this past year and there is not a finer individual capable of leading our beloved university during this time of transition. As you will see over the coming months, Dr. Loftin’s love for Texas A&M is great but his commitment to students is even greater. His first comment to me when he arrived in College Station on Monday afternoon was to inform me of his deep commitment to students and his desire to begin working with student leaders immediately. Dr. Loftin understands the importance of shared governance and the value of student input. Speaking as a fellow Aggie, I want to let each of you know that I trust Dr. Loftin and that he has my full support as interim president.

This past Monday was my first board meeting as the student regent. One thing that was very clear to me was that the other nine regents on the board care just as passionately for Texas A&M University as do all of us. Everything the board does and everything we discuss is with the best interests of Texas A&M University and the students in mind. I am very optimistic for the future of Texas A&M University and the A&M System.

Looking forward, I want to let each of you know that the Board of Regents is committed to shared governance. The board believes that shared governance is absolutely critical to achieving the goals of Vision 2020. As the student regent, I remain committed to shared governance and will work with student leaders across all 11 system campuses to insure that the student voice is articulated to the Board of Regents.

As we begin discussions on the structure of a search committee, know that I remain committed to advocating a full, transparent and national search for our new president that includes all university stakeholders–students, faculty and staff.

The continued leadership and counsel of students during this time of great change will be vital to the success of our beloved university. I have full faith in our institution, our values, and our traditions. They will guide us through this time of change. Rest assured that the Aggie Spirit and the Aggie Family will endure.